Veteran defenseman John Carlson will not re-sign with the Anaheim Ducks and is set to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. The 36-year-old aims to join an Eastern Conference team closer to his family.
John Carlson's stint with the Anaheim Ducks will end after just a few months. The team acquired him in a trade from the Washington Capitals earlier this year, but he has informed the club he will test the open market despite interest from general manager Pat Verbeek in keeping him.
His agent Rick Curran explained the decision to The Athletic. "His wish is to return and play in the Eastern Conference, closer to the family and the security that exists there," Curran said.
Carlson posted strong numbers this season with 60 points in 71 regular-season games. He added 14 points in 16 games after the trade and recorded six assists in 12 playoff contests. Tampa Bay Lightning has emerged as a potential destination if the club loses another defenseman to free agency.